Supervised Driving Program

th e PARENT’S supervised driving program

For the parents of teen drivers — a requirement for teen licensing

A PROGRAM OF THE NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Log your practice driving and export your driving history. Easy, accurate, DOWNLOAD OUR FREE educational. MOBILE APP

#RoadReady

WITH SUPPORT FROM Improving parents’ and & teen drivers’ experience behind the wheel No matter whether you’re there yet or not, WE’RE WITH YOU.

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A message to parents from the Nebraska DMV

There are many opportunities, challenges and responsibilities which accompany being a parent or guardian. One of those can be teaching a child to become a responsible and safe driver. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is excited to be able to provide you with The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program manual.

This booklet is designed with instructional modules which contain information on how and where to complete the lesson for maximum success. Allowing your child to spend as much time as possible behind the wheel will increase the development of their driver skills. The safety of the roadways in Nebraska is dependent on the behavior of each individual driver. Your commitment to assist your child in maximizing this learning experience is commendable.

If you have questions, or need additional information, the Department of Motor Vehicles is ready to help. From first steps to first car.

You’ve been there to protect them every step of the way. State Farm® can help with the road ahead. Visit teendriving.statefarm.com today.

1501963 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL Sponsor message

Do you remember that feeling of freedom and sense of accomplishment when you got your driver’s license? State Farm, the nation’s largest auto insurer1 chose to be a part of The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program to help parents help their teens celebrate this accomplishment and responsibly guide a new generation of drivers to become safer, confident and more experienced every time they are behind the wheel. State Farm understands motor vehicle injuries are one of the nation’s most important public health problems. In fact, car crashes are the #1 killer of teens2 and, the first 6 months of unsupervised driving is the most dangerous.3 State Farm has been an integral part of landmark teen driver research since 2006. This research has helped us and others understand many car crashes can be avoided. It also indicates new drivers need and want parental involvement. Parents can help make the roads safer for everyone by providing teen drivers significant practice with a variety of driving skills and in different conditions. Across the US, more than 18,000 State Farm agents play a critical role in communities, helping to increase awareness around safe driving and the impact new drivers have on the roads. They are a large part of Celebrate My Drive®, the State Farm Signature Program encouraging teens to commit to Drive 2N2®, two eyes on the road and two hands on the wheel. State Farm has a continued commitment to funding research that helps prevent injuries and save lives. We work with national and local organizations to bring ongoing attention to auto safety issues and legislation that helps to make driving and roads safer for everyone. We encourage you to read this Program guide and know that you will make a difference in your teen’s safety. We know you will help them as they continue their journey and enjoy the excitement of the road wherever it takes them. Together, we can make a significant contribution to get them there safely.

From first steps to first car.

You’ve been there to protect them every step of the way. State Farm® can help with the road ahead. Visit teendriving.statefarm.com today.

1 – https://www.statefarm.com/about-us/company-overview/company-profile/fast-facts

2 – http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/images/LCD/10LCID_Unintentional_Deaths_2010-a.gif

3 – Mayhew DR, Simpson HM, Pak A. Changes in Collision Rates Among Novice Drivers During the First Months of Driving. Accident Analysis and Prevention. September 2003. – See more at: http://www.teendriversource.org/stats/for_parents/detail/57#sthash.H3G7UafL.dpuf 1501963 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL The parent’s supervised driving program

Developed by Safe Roads Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to promoting safer driving through education for drivers of all ages, The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program is designed to improve teen driver safety by providing parents and guardians with a methodical approach to teaching the requisite driving skills. Each lesson concentrates on a particular sequential skill. Parents are in the best position to help their teens to become safe, smart, and skilled drivers. This program is available in PDF format. The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program also includes a website, social media pages, and a mobile app, RoadReady®. Website: www.theparentssuperviseddrivingprogram.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheParentsSupervisedDrivingProgram Twitter: www.twitter.com/PSDP_Info Instagram: www.instagram.com/roadreadyapp# Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/roadreadyapp/ Publisher: Jeff Larason – [email protected]

Published in association with the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles and with support from State Farm® and Cenex. Copyright © 2013 Travelers Marketing LLC and Safe Roads Alliance. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Produced by J.F. Griffin Publishing. First published in 2013. This revised fourth edition published in 2015. th e PARENT’S supervised driving program

For the parents of teen drivers — a requirement for teen licensing

A PROGRAM OF THE NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Log your practice driving and export your driving history. Easy, accurate, DOWNLOAD OUR FREE educational. MOBILE APP

Your opinion matters #RoadReady Take our program survey and tell us about your experience. www.theparentssuperviseddrivingprogram.com/survey

WITH SUPPORT FROM Improving parents’ and & teen drivers’ experience behind the wheel Sponsor message

Your newly-licensed teen drives off alone for the first time. As a parent, this moment can be daunting. Has your child had adequate training? Enough practice and knowledge of safe driving techniques? Experience driving in a variety of conditions? The self-confidence that comes from solid preparation?

The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program is designed to alleviate such concerns. Congratulations on taking this important step in helping your teen develop safe, responsible driving skills, so that he/she will be ready when the Big Day comes.

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Notes for parents/guardians

About supervising teen drivers...... 1 Vehicle control for supervisors...... 2 Distracted driving and more ...... 3 Skills

Skill one: before you start the engine...... 4 Skill two: moving, steering and stopping...... 5 Skill three: how close are you? ...... 6 Skill four: backing up...... 7 Skill five: driving on a quiet street – part one...... 8 Skill five: driving on a quiet street – part two...... 9 Skill six: looking ahead...... 10 Skill seven: turning around ...... 11

School/permit 50 hours certification ��25 Young driver/parent agreement ��26 Supervised driving log...... 13

Skill eight: parking – part one...... 28 Skill eight: parking – part two...... 29 Skill nine: driving on rural roads...... 30 Skill ten: multi-lane roads – part one...... 31 Skill ten: multi-lane roads – part two...... 32 Skill eleven: city driving – part one...... 33 Skill eleven: city driving – part two ...... 34 Skill twelve: interstate driving – part one...... 35 Skill twelve: interstate driving – part two ...... 36 Beyond the basics

Continuing education...... 37 Practice in other conditions ...... 38 Teens’ biggest dangers...... 39 Sharing the road with trucks...... 40 NOTES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

About supervising teen drivers

The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program gives you a simple, easy-to-follow plan you can use to help your teen be a safe and responsible driver. Some thoughts as you begin this exciting experience together:

Make an effort to enjoy the learning process: Driving is a big step toward independence, and your teen is entering a new phase of life. You’ll both remember this experience for years to come. Make it a good memory!

Practice makes perfect: Studies show that the risk of a crash diminishes with experience. The more Stay focused time you can spend driving with your teen, the less likely it is they’ll crash when they begin driving At the start of each alone. Driving in a variety of circumstances is equally important. While using this program, you should driving lesson with your drive on all types of roads. Make sure your teen gets exposure to a variety of roadways, and in different teen, leave your problems conditions as well: at night; in rain, fog, and snow; and in heavy and light traffic. behind — and make an Be a driving role model: It’s not enough to say, “Do as I say.” Children imitate their parents’/guardians’ effort to stay focused. behavior, so your driving should set a good example for your teen to emulate. Be sure that you: Don’t bring up touchy • Obey all traffic laws. subjects such as grades, homework, boyfriends/ • Correct any unsafe driving habits (driving aggressively, rolling through stop signs, accelerating through girlfriends, and anything yellow lights, speeding, etc.). else that might distract • Refrain from using your cell phone or texting while driving. either of you from the task at hand. Tips for teaching your teen • Seat belts must always be worn properly by everyone in the vehicle. • Before each session, discuss the goals of the day’s lesson. • Before each new lesson, review what was learned during the previous lesson. • Keep instructions simple and concise. Say where to go and what action to take. For example: “Drive to the corner and turn right.” • The feedback you give should be calm, precise, and immediate. Be patient and alert at all times. Remember to give positive feedback when your teen succeeds! • When your teen makes a mistake, which will happen often, do not criticize. Remain calm and simply repeat the maneuver until it’s done correctly. To minimize their frustration, emphasize to your teen that mistakes are a normal part of learning. • These lessons should be consistent with what is taught by your teen’s driving instructor. If you teach something differently, your teen will be confused and learning will be more difficult. If the lessons in this program are different from the instructor’s, contact them to clarify the discrepancy. • Remember that students learn at different paces. Make sure your teen has mastered each skill before you move on to the next lesson, even if that means repeating a lesson several times. Patience and practice will pay off in the long run. • Integrate night driving into as many lessons as possible. Most importantly, make sure the vehicle you use for training is safe. Confirm that the brakes have been recently inspected, and check to make sure the tires have sufficient tread depth. It’s generally recommended that you do not train in larger vehicles that lack stability control.

1 NOTES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Vehicle control for supervisors

Teaching a new driver can be stressful, but knowing you have some control can help. Professional driver’s education instructors are taught emergency responses to potential hazards that can crop up with an inexperienced driver behind the wheel. Here are some skills you can learn to help you maintain control from the passenger seat while teaching:

Emergency shifting: In a quiet, large, level, empty area, practice shifting the transmission from drive to neutral.

Taking the wheel: With an experienced driver in the driver’s seat, in a quiet, large, level, empty area, practice steering the car with your left hand from the passenger seat. Commentary Mirrors: Adjust the mirror on the passenger sun visor so you can use it as a rearview driving mirror. If the right side mirror is properly adjusted, you can use it to monitor traffic to the Commentary driving is rear from the passenger seat. a great communication tool. Coach your Awareness: Never assume everything is okay. Always check and re-check mirrors before you give instructions to your teen. teen to describe their actions, thoughts and Emergency stopping: Practice stopping the car with the parking brake (if your vehicle’s observations out loud parking brake is located between the seats). This can be dangerous, even at low speeds, as they drive, similar to and should only be used as a last resort. a sports commentator. Throughout the learning Driving has changed process, ask them to Chances are, today’s cars are not the same as they were when you learned to drive. To teach your teen verbalize what they see effectively, you need to know about a few important recent changes in how cars work, how we drive, around them, including and how driving is taught. potential risks and any steps they need to take to Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Most newer cars offer ABS as either standard or optional equipment. avoid those risks. ABS is a dramatic safety improvement that works by letting the tires rotate, rather than lock up, when the brake is engaged. This allows drivers to turn the car in an emergency stop. ABS should be used with firm, continuous pressure. The brakes may shake and grind when applied, which often concerns users – but this is a normal function of ABS. To find out if your car has ABS, check the instrument panel after you turn on the ignition or read the owner’s manual. Note: When driving a car without ABS, the old rules still apply. Don’t “slam” the brakes. Rather, press the brake pedal firmly. The intention is to stop quickly, but also to avoid locking the brakes and skidding. Skidding causes a loss of control and requires more distance to stop.

Air bags: Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, which must be worn for the air bags to be effective. Since air bags deploy out of the wheel on impact, it’s important to keep your hands and arms clear.

Steering wheel hand position: Most of us were taught to position our hands at 10 and 2 o’clock on the steering wheel. It’s now suggested that you hold the wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock or slightly lower at 7 and 5 o’clock. This gives you better vehicle control.

Arms holding the wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock are not as likely to be hit by the air bag.

2 NOTES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Distracted driving and more

Distracted driving involves any activity, such as cell phone use, that has the potential to distract someone from the task of driving. Distracted driving, alcohol, speeding, and not wearing seat belts can lead to death and injury in crashes. Teens, who are still learning the complex skills of driving, are particularly susceptible to distractions while behind the wheel. Don’t let you or your teen become another statistic. Here are the facts: • Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Mile for mile, teens are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers. And one in three teens who text say they have done so while driving.

Eyes on the road • Between 2010-2014 in Nebraska, a total of 60 fatal, 6,409 injury, and 11,986 property damage only Teens tend to look distracted driving-related crashes were reported. During this same period, while teen drivers (ages away from the road and 16–19) made up 6.1% of the driver population, they were involved in 27% of all reported cell phone- become distracted for related crashes. longer periods than older • In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers. This is a 6.7% decrease from drivers. It’s important to 2012. Unfortunately, approximately 424,000 people were injured, an increase from 2012. train them to keep their • A Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study revealed that physically dialing a phone while driving eyes on the road ahead. increases the risk of a crash as much as six times. Texting is riskier still, increasing collision risk by Test your teen on how 23 times. long they look away when doing various tasks To combat this growing epidemic, we suggest the following: inside the vehicle, such as • Set a good example: Kids observe and learn from their parents. Put your phone down while driving tuning the radio. Coach and only use it when you are safely pulled over. According to the Pew Research Center, 40 percent them repeatedly on the of teens 12 to 17 say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put importance of focusing on themselves and others in danger. the road ahead. • Talk to your teen: Discuss the risks and responsibilities of driving and the danger of dividing their attention between a phone call and the road. Show them the statistics related to distracted driving and urge them to share what they learn with their friends. • Establish ground rules: Set up family rules about not texting while behind the wheel. Enforce the limits set by the graduated licensing program. • Sign a pledge: Have your teen take action by agreeing to a family contract about wearing safety belts, not speeding, not driving after drinking, and not using a cell phone behind the wheel. Agree on penalties for violating the pledge, including paying for tickets or loss of driving privileges. • Other dangerous distractions: In addition to cell phone use, distracted driving can include eating, grooming, drinking, listening to or adjusting the radio or MP3 player, using the GPS, talking to passengers, or watching a video, just to name a few activities. Inexperienced drivers are particularly susceptible to these kinds of distractions.

3 SKILL ONE: BEFORE YOU START THE ENGINE

Before you start the engine

Goal: Teach your teen vehicle basics before actual driving begins. Location: Parked. This is a non-driving lesson. Lesson one – touring the vehicle Walk around the outside of the car with your teen. Instruct them to look for leaks and hazards such as broken glass, and to make sure it’s clear behind the vehicle as well as in front of the vehicle. Have your teen practice these basic skills until they don’t need help: Proper mirror • Starting and stopping the engine setting • Naming and operating all dashboard controls In the past, drivers were • Checking oil level often taught mirror • Checking wiper fluid settings that caused • Checking tire pressure overlap between the rear and side mirrors, Lesson two – mirror settings which was less safe. This is a great opportunity to The method below provides the best view of adjacent lanes, for maximum safety. update your own driving • Inside mirror: Have your teen sit up straight in the driver’s seat and adjust the inside mirror skills while teaching so that it frames the entire rear window. This is the main mirror for viewing what is behind the vehicle. your teen! • Left-side mirror: Have your teen lean their head toward the left-side window, and set the left mirror so they can barely see the side of the car. When they sit up straight, the car should no longer be visible in the mirror. • Right-side mirror: Do the same to the right. Have your teen lean to the right over the car’s center console, and set the right mirror so they can barely see the right side of the car.

Lesson three – checking blind spots Additionally, teach your teen how to look over their shoulder to check the “blind spot” on each side of the car that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Lesson four – seating position The proper seat position is important to safely control the vehicle. Your teen should sit with their back firmly against the seat. There should be at least 10 inches between the steering wheel and the driver’s chest, with the air bag pointing at the chest. The top of the steering wheel should be no higher than the shoulders. Move the seat forward or backward so that the driver’s heel touches the floor and can pivot between the brake and accelerator. Shorter drivers may need a seat cushion or pedal extenders to sit safely 10 inches from the air bag. The head restraint should be at the center of the driver’s head. The most effective way to deal with blind spots is to briefly turn and look. Skill completed

supervisor initials

driver initials

#RoadReady

4 SKILL TWO: MOVING, STEERING, AND STOPPING

Moving, steering, and stopping

Goal: Teach your teen to consistently start, stop, and turn smoothly with full vehicle control. Location: A large, level, mostly empty area. Everyone in the vehicle must be properly buckled up. Before starting, coach your teen to always signal and check mirrors and blind spots before changing the speed, position, or direction of the car. Remind them when needed. Have your teen drive around the perimeter of the lot several times at a slow speed. Have them stop and Reducing speed start frequently, practicing smooth hand-to-hand steering, braking, and accelerating. New drivers tend to use Pick several targets in the large, level, empty practice area, and have your teen drive to them at specific the brake too much and speeds. For example, “Drive to the stop sign at 15 mph.” Focus on steady speed and smooth starts and the accelerator too little stops. to control speed. Coach Once your teen is braking smoothly, practice “hard, smooth stops” at slightly higher speeds your teen about easing up (approximately 25–30 mph). Hint: Curling toes back just before braking results in smoother stops. It on the gas pedal as a way eases the pressure on the brake. to reduce the car’s speed. Lesson one – steps toward turning Turning right Turning left Step 1

Left hand Right hand Left hand Right hand slides down pulls down pulls down slides down

Step 2

Left hand Right hand Left hand Right hand pushes up slides up slides up pushes up

Step 3

Left hand Right hand Left hand Right hand slides down pulls down pulls down slides down

With hand-to-hand steering your hands do not cross each other.

Lesson two – turning techniques

• Ease off the accelerator or use the brake to reduce speed before entering a curve; use gentle acceleration to overcome inertia and pull the vehicle out of the curve.

• Use smooth, continuous steering wheel movements when approaching a turn and when returning Skill completed (sliding) the wheel through the hands until the vehicle is in the proper post-turn position. • Coach your teen to pick a target near the center of the intended travel path. This target can be used as a visual aid to aim at while steering through turns. supervisor initials driver initials

#RoadReady

5 SKILL THREE: HOW CLOSE ARE YOU?

How close are you?

Goal: Teach your teen how to tell where their vehicle is in relation to other vehicles or objects. Location: A large, level, mostly empty area with clearly painted pavement lines and curbs. Reference points Explain to your teen that reference points are visual guides to help them judge the car’s distance from curbs, lines, other objects, and vehicles.

Lesson one – driver’s side curb (or line) Making your • Choose a pavement curb (or line), and tell your teen that the goal teen safer is to pull the driver’s side of the vehicle 6–12 inches away. Coach It takes more than them to slowly pull up parallel to the line, getting gradually closer, 15 minutes every and stop when they think they are 6–12 inches away. Have them day for six months to look at where the line intersects in the front window. complete 50 hours of • Have your teen put the car in park and get out to check if the practice driving. For driver’s side wheels are 6–12 inches from the line. If it’s not the 100 hours, it’s more than right distance, have them do it again, checking the reference 30 minutes a day for View out the front windshield. points. six months. Studies show Reference points will be different that the more time you for everyone, depending on the drive together, the safer vehicle and the height of the driver. your teen will be when driving alone. Lesson two – passenger’s side curb (or line)

• Choose another curb (or line) parallel to the passenger’s side, again pulling up slowly to within 6–12 inches. Use the same gradual pull-up method, but for this side, coach your teen to stop when the curb appears to intersect the center of the hood.

• Again, have your teen get out of the vehicle to check whether the tires are 6–12 inches from the curb. Keep practicing and making adjustments, noticing the reference point, until they can do it consistently. View out the front windshield. Reference points will be different for everyone, depending on the vehicle and the height of the driver.

Lesson three – front curb (or line)

• Teach your teen to align the front bumper between 6–12 inches from a pavement curb (or line). Have them drive slowly straight toward the curb. Coach them to stop when the curb appears under the passenger’s side mirror.

• Have your teen get out of the vehicle to check whether the front bumper is 6–12 inches from the curb. If not, have them Skill completed adjust the reference point as needed and keep practicing.

supervisor initials View out the driver’s side window. Reference points will be different for everyone, depending on the driver initials vehicle and the height of the driver. #RoadReady

6 SKILL FOUR: BACKING UP

Backing up

Goal: Teach your teen how to safely drive backwards in a straight line and while turning. Location: A large, level, mostly empty area. Lesson one – before moving the vehicle

• Coach your teen that they must turn around and look backwards through the rear window when backing up. Using mirrors or backup cameras doesn’t give a full view.

• Have your teen shift their hips and turn around until they get a good view behind the vehicle. They Slow and consistent should drape their right arm over the back of the seat and grasp the top of the steering wheel with their left hand. Emphasize that backing up must be done at slow but consistent speeds. Lesson two – backing up in a straight line It’s harder to maintain • Check all areas behind the vehicle prior to and while backing up. control of the car when • Grasp the steering wheel with the left hand and look over the right shoulder through the rear window. it’s in reverse. • First release the brake, then use the accelerator gently, and only when necessary, to control speed. Keep it slow.

Lesson three – backing up in a turn

• If turning to the left, grasp the steering wheel with the right hand, or with the left hand if turning to the right. Remind your teen to turn the wheel in the direction they want the car to travel.

• Look in the direction the car is moving through the rear side windows.

• Back into the turn slowly, first releasing the brake, then using the accelerator if needed.

Lesson four – aligning rear bumper to a curb

• Choose a curb (or line) for a target.

• Have your teen back up toward the target, coaching them to stop when the curb appears near the middle of the rear right window when looking over their right shoulder.

• Have your teen put the car in park and set the emergency brake.

• Have your teen get out of the car to see whether the rear bumper is close to the target. • If adjustments are needed, have your teen try again, establishing a new reference point. Repeat as often as needed until your teen can consistently come within close proximity to the target.

Skill completed supervisor initials driver initials

#RoadReady

7 SKILL FIVE: DRIVING ON A QUIET STREET – PART ONE

Driving on a quiet street – part one

Goal: Teach your teen to move and stop a vehicle safely and with confidence on quiet roads. Location: Start in a large, level, mostly empty area. Move to a quiet neighborhood street when indicated. Out of respect to our neighbors, please do not use official state road test courses for practice. Before moving out onto the road, make sure that your teen has reviewed the driver’s manual and is familiar with street signs, signals, pavement markings, and yield and speed laws. Skill review Starting in a quiet, large, level, empty area, review the skills learned so far. Have your teen drive several Emergency laps around the lot, practicing smooth braking and accelerating, maintaining steady speeds, steering vehicles into right and left turns, and using reference points to align the car with curbs (or lines). Make sure your teen understands what to Lesson one – commentary driving do if they encounter Coach your teen to use “commentary driving” (see sidebar on page 2) throughout this lesson, if possible. emergency vehicles. First, turn down the radio to Lesson two – lane position listen for the direction of the emergency vehicle(s). When you and your teen feel ready, move to a quiet street. Stay calm and pull over to With your teen behind the wheel, first have them practice driving straight in three different lane the nearest curb, clear of positions. Do this for several miles, practicing each position at least 10 times: intersections, and wait for the emergency vehicle(s) Center position ➊: The most common to pass. position, with the vehicle centered within the lane. Coach your teen that they ➌ should stay in the center position under most circumstances.

Left position ➋: The vehicle positioned to the left side of the lane. This is best used ➊ when preparing for a left turn. This position should be avoided on country roads. Right position ➌: The vehicle positioned ➋ to the right side of the lane. This is usually done when making a right turn to allow for a safety margin on the left side of Most driving is done in lane position number one. the vehicle. Lesson three – intersections Coach your teen on these techniques for safely approaching an intersection: • Search for vehicles, pedestrians, signs, and traffic signals.

• Check the rearview mirror for any potential hazards behind the car.

• If it’s an intersection with traffic signals, identify who has the green light. • If turning, put on the turn signal four seconds before making the turn. Skill completed • If a stop is required, stop behind the white stop line.

• Select the best lane for the intended direction of travel. supervisor initials • Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other vehicles. driver initials

#RoadReady

8 SKILL FIVE: DRIVING ON A QUIET STREET – PART TWO

Driving on a quiet street – part two

Goal: Teach your teen to turn both right and left safely and with confidence on quiet roads. Practice Location: A quiet block of single-lane roads, ideally without traffic signals at the intersections. Location: A quiet block of single-lane roads, ideally without traffic signals at the intersections. Lesson one – right turns When your teen is comfortable with lane positions and intersections, it’s time to practice turns. Start with right turns. Have your teen drive clockwise around the block 10–12 times: Focus • Pick a line at the center of the intended travel path while steering through a turn. Make sure Most drivers have a your teen does not fixate on one specific spot, but instead focuses on a broader path. tendency to steer in the • Focus on smooth braking into the turn and acceleration out of the turn, as previously practiced direction they look. If in the large, level, empty area. their eyes move to one • Always check mirrors before turns and signal four seconds before turning. side, the car may drift in that direction, too. Remind your teen to Lesson two – left turns focus on a path line in When your teen is proficient at right turns, move on to left turns. Have your teen drive counterclockwise the middle of their travel around the block 10–12 times, coaching them on these techniques for safe left turns: lane – and not fixate • Position the vehicle close to the yellow line in the middle of the road. on lane lines or other • If there is a stop sign or red light, stop with wheels pointed straight ahead before the stop line, objects. The rest of the crosswalk or intersection. area should be scanned quickly but frequently. • Search the intersection in all directions for vehicles, pedestrians, signs, and signals. • Select a gap in traffic and pull straight forward toward the middle of the intersection. Coach your teen to avoid hesitating.

• Use the yellow line on the street being turned onto as a target. Turn into the travel lane closest to the yellow line.

• When the turn is complete, let the steering wheel slide back through the hands.

• Pick a new target 15–20 seconds ahead in the center of the travel path and accelerate gradually.

Be sure to practice with your teen in a variety of conditions, including at night and in inclement weather, as much as possible.

Skill completed supervisor initials Have your teen drive around the block making right turns 10–12 times. When they are proficient, drive around the block 10–12 times making left turns. driver initials

#RoadReady

9 SKILL SIX: LOOKING AHEAD

Looking ahead

Goal: Teach your teen to develop defensive driving techniques and higher-level visual and anticipatory driving skills before moving on to more complex driving situations. In order to avoid last-second reactions and spot potential hazards, have your teen always look 12–15 seconds down the road. When they are looking far enough ahead, they will be able to spot hazards early and be well prepared to react to them.

Location: Start on a quiet neighborhood street. Out of respect to our neighbors, please do not use official state road test courses for practice. Move onto a road with light traffic when your teen is ready. Lesson one – IPDE system Minimize risks Rear-end collisions are Teach your teen the IPDE system, a simple system to help new drivers recognize, anticipate the most common form of and avoid risks before they turn into problems. IPDE stands for: a car crash. Emphasize to Identify potential risks, like oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, or intersections. your teen that increasing Predict when and where there will be a conflict or problem. following distance behind Decide on the best course of action. other vehicles is the Execute that action. single best thing they can do to minimize the risk of Have your teen use commentary driving as they practice the IPDE system. As they drive, ask them a crash. to verbally describe their thoughts and actions in order to identify potential risks they see, predict problems these risks could cause, decide what to do to avoid a problem, and then execute the maneuver. Lesson two – stopping-distance rule Teach your teen the stopping-distance rule, for the safest distance to stop behind another vehicle. When your vehicle stops, you should be far enough away from the car in front of you that you can see where its tires make contact with the ground. Any closer is too close. Lesson three – three-second rule Teach your teen the three-second rule for the appropriate following distance when driving behind other vehicles. The three-second rule is an important safety measure designed to give drivers enough time to safely steer or brake to avoid problems that occur in front of them on the road.

• Start counting when the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of you passes an object.

• Count “one thousand ONE, one thousand TWO, one thousand THREE.”

• Your front bumper should not pass that same object before you’ve reached “three.”

Have your teen practice the three-second rule at least 10–12 times, counting out loud to check whether their following distance is appropriate.

Skill completed

Your front bumper should not pass before you’ve reached “three.” supervisor initials

driver initials

#RoadReady

10 SKILL SEVEN: TURNING AROUND

Turning around

Goal: Teach your teen the best ways to turn a vehicle around in various circumstances. Location: Start on a quiet neighborhood street with accessible driveways. Please be respectful of neighbors and private property. Move to a multi-lane road for U-turns, if legally allowed in your area. Lesson one – turning around safely Start by coaching your teen that the safest and easiest way to turn around is to drive around the block. Since that’s not always possible, it’s important to practice other ways to turn around. Legal U-turns Lesson two – three-point turns U-turns are illegal in many locations. Make This more challenging turn should only be done when there is no available driveway. Three-point turns sure you and your teen block both sides of a two-lane road, so coach your teen to make absolutely sure that the traffic is clear in only practice legal both directions: U-turns. U-turns should • Pull as far to the right as never be made across possible to maximize room a double yellow line or to maneuver. where a sign indicates • Turn sharply across the ➋ that they are prohibited. road ➊ until the car is perpendicular, facing the curb. ➊ • Continue checking for traffic ➌ in both directions. Practice three-point turns at least 10 times each. • Put the car in reverse ➋ and back up, turning sharply in the other direction, into the original lane, but now facing the opposite direction. • Shift into drive and pull forward ➌ into the correct lane, driving straight ahead. Lesson four – U-turns First explain that U-turns can be very dangerous, and should only be done where they are legal. • Begin the U-turn in the left lane, closest to the center line or median.

• Be sure there is enough room to make the turn without hitting the curb or any parked cars.

• Signal to indicate the direction of the turn, checking carefully for oncoming traffic.

• Move forward, turning the wheel sharply to turn around.

• Finish the U-turn in the opposite direction and accelerate to an appropriate speed.

Skill completed supervisor initials driver initials

#RoadReady

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Supervised driving log

Parents or guardians are responsible for making certain that their teen has completed no less than 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 of those hours completed between sunset and sunrise. The 50 hours can be completed with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. The following form is a tool for your convenience that will help you keep track of time spent on the road as well as ensure that your teen has a diverse supervised driving experience. You want your teen to be as prepared as possible for their School Permit or Provisional Operator’s Permit.

With Support From &

A summary of graduated licensing in Nebraska

• School Learner’s Permit (LPE) – An LPE is issued for the purpose of allowing a student to legally practice driving for a School Permit. • School Permit (SCP) – A person holding an SCP may operate a motor vehicle unsupervised to and from where he or she attends school and between schools of enrollment. • Learner’s Permit (LPD) - An LPD is issued to allow a person to legally practice driving for a Provisional Operator’s Permit, Operator’s (Class O) or Motorcycle (Class M) License. A LPD holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. • Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP) - A POP allows an individual to operate a motor vehicle unsupervised in Nebraska from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight.

For more details and the specific requirements and driving restrictions for each of these permits go online at www.dmv.ne.gov.

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13 SUPERVISED DRIVING LOG

School permit/provisional operator’s permit

Suggested Driving Skills Checklist Parents: Check off skills you feel your teen has performed several times successfully and confidently. When all items are checked off, your teen may be ready to get a School Permit/Provisional Operator’s Permit.

This checklist/driving log is produced as a courtesy only and is not required to be presented to Driver Licensing Staff.

 Pre-driving checks and adjustments  Parking (perpendicular, angle & parallel)  Driving at night

 Starting, moving and stopping smoothly  Changing lanes (checking blind spot)  Traffic signals

 Making accurate turns (left & right)  Driving through intersections  Driving under adverse conditions (weather, congested traffic, construction, etc.)  Yielding the right-of-way  Following safely behind other vehicles  Adjusting speed, position and passing on  Backing up  Recognizing danger signs/conditions highways  Railroad crossing  Communicating with other drivers

Location of Practice Date Day/Night Weather Driving Time* Adult’s Initials (ex. rural, highway)

 Day  Night

*Total time spent practicing must equal a minimum of 50 hours with 10 hours between sunset and sunrise. Total driving time:

14 SUPERVISED DRIVING LOG